Retrograde (Vakri)
When a planet appears to move backward against the stars as seen from Earth.
Retrograde, or vakri, describes the apparent backward motion of a planet as viewed from Earth — an optical effect of the relative orbital speeds of Earth and that planet. The planet is not truly reversing; it only seems to from our vantage point. The Sun and Moon are never retrograde.
In chart reading a retrograde planet is considered to act more inwardly, intensely or unconventionally, its energy turned back on itself. Interpretations vary widely between schools — some treat it as strengthening, others as complicating — so it is best read in the full context of the chart.
Rahu and Ketu are always reckoned as moving retrograde by their nature. For the visible planets, retrograde phases are temporary and recur on regular cycles; their meaning depends far more on the planet's overall condition than on the retrograde state alone.
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